Time is running out for Virgin Islands hurricane survivors to sign up with Operation Blue Roof for free temporary roofing repairs to their homes. Friday, Nov. 3, is the final day for residents on all U.S. Virgin Islands to apply.

Operation Blue Roof is carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands (GVI) to provide homeowners affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria with fiber-reinforced blue plastic sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until permanent repairs can be made.

Survivors are warned to be aware of scams. Operation Blue Roof is a free service. If survivors are asked to pay, they are not dealing with USACE’s Operation Blue Roof.

Homeowners must sign a Right of Entry (ROE) form that allows USACE staff on the property to assess roof damage and install the plastic sheeting. It generally takes about eight days for a USACE representative to visit the home once the ROE is signed, and the installation will be done about two weeks later.

Survivors are asked to bring a photo identification, a property tax bill and, if possible, a photograph of the damaged roof for property identification.

Operation Blue Roof should protect property for a minimum of 30 days and allow residents to remain in or return to their homes while recovering from the storms. The program is for primary residences, or occupied rental properties that can be repaired with plywood, plastic sheeting, and in some cases a minor amount of rafter replacement or repair. Not all roof types qualify for the program.

If you know of a survivor who needs a temporary roof but is unable to visit a ROE Center, let center officials know the location so they can reach out. To find a location in your area, call 888-ROOF-BLU (766-3258).

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